Local governments received an overview of assistance to Ukrainian war refugees

In today’s webinar, more than 400 local government representatives received an outline of the state’s activities in organising the reception of Ukrainian war refugees, and were given answers to questions that have arisen so far. The meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities. The webinar can be viewed here.

“The state, together with local governments, has established primary reception points where people can receive emotional support, information about their opportunities in Estonia and register. We’re also providing accommodation for those who have no friends or relatives in Estonia,” said Kaisa Üprus-Tali, Head of Crisis Assistance at the Social Insurance Board. “We’re grateful for the local governments who have already been active and helped provide necessary assistance to the families who have escaped the war. In addition to non-governmental organisations, local governments will be an important partner to the state in the coming months to assimilate people who have arrived from Ukraine into the community.”

During the webinar, the municipalities asked practical questions regarding the employment of refugees, health services and organisational issues related to the establishment of the daily lives of Ukrainian war refugees.

Jan Trei, Deputy Director of the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities, confirmed that local governments are willing to assist the state in helping Ukrainian war refugees. “We must show the solidarity and readiness of both the state and local governments to help Ukrainians and provide all possible assistance and humanitarian aid. As the crisis is new for both, it’s important that the state provides practical information and guidelines to local governments. Based on this, we held today’s information day and plan to hold future such meetings also,” explained Jan Trei.

Across the European Union (including Estonia), people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been granted temporary protection, and from March 9, refugees can apply for a residence permit in Estonia in one day. This permit extends many state and local government services and benefits to war refugees, from labour market services provided by the Unemployment Insurance Fund and family benefits paid by the Social Insurance Board, to social assistance and subsistence benefits provided by local governments. Children are also guaranteed access to education, which is also provided by local governments.

In addition to Kaisa Üprus-Tali, Undersecretary for Rescue, Emergency Services and Crisis Management, Viola Murd, Undersecretary for General Education and Youth Policy of the Ministry of Education and Research, Liina Murd, Head of the Jobseeker’s and Employers’ Services Department of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, Katrin Liivamets, Undersecretary of Cultural Diversity of the Ministry of Culture Piret Hartman and Head of the Tallinn Social and Health Care Board, Raimo Saadi, spoke at the information day. The day was opened by Hanna Vseviov, Undersecretary of Social Affairs of the Ministry of Social Affairs.

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